Update Your Skincare Routine for Summer: A Comprehensive Guide

By The Radiant Glow Excellence Award

As the warmer months approach, it’s essential to update your skincare routine to ensure your skin remains healthy, vibrant, and protected. The shift in weather requires adjustments to address increased sun exposure, higher humidity levels, and the potential for sweat-induced skin issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide to updating your skincare routine for summer, covering everything from cleansing and exfoliating to moisturizing and sun protection with toxin-free products.

Understanding the Impact of Summer on Your Skin

Before diving into specific skincare adjustments, it’s crucial to understand how summer affects your skin. Increased sun exposure can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Higher temperatures and humidity levels can cause your skin to produce more oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Additionally, sweat can contribute to skin irritation and dehydration. By understanding these factors, you can tailor your skincare routine to address these challenges effectively.

1. Switch to a Lighter Cleanser

During summer, your skin tends to produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Switching to a lighter, gel-based cleanser can help keep your skin clean without stripping away essential moisture. Look for cleansers that are non-toxic and gentle on the skin.

Recommended Products:

• Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser: This natural cleanser is great for normal to oily skin, removing excess oil and impurities without harsh chemicals.
• Acure Brightening Cleansing Gel: Ideal for all skin types, this cleanser uses pomegranate, blackberry, and acai to cleanse and brighten the skin.

2. Exfoliate Regularly, But Not Too Much

Exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells and preventing clogged pores. However, over-exfoliating can lead to irritation and increased sensitivity, especially during summer when your skin is already exposed to various environmental stressors. Aim to exfoliate 1–2 times a week using a gentle, natural exfoliant.

Recommended Products:

• Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask: This exfoliant uses organic fruit acids to help reveal a brighter complexion.
• Acure Brightening Facial Scrub: A gentle scrub with sea kelp and lemon peel that works for all skin types.

3. Incorporate Antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential for protecting your skin from free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help brighten your skin and improve its overall texture. Incorporate a natural Vitamin C serum into your morning routine to maximize protection and benefits.

Recommended Products:

• Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum: A clean, natural option that delivers excellent results, featuring Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid.
• Sokörpe’s Vitamin C Serum: This serum combines Vitamin C with hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E for a natural, hydrating boost.

4. Don’t Skip the Moisturizer

Even though your skin may feel oilier during the summer, it still needs hydration. Opt for a lightweight, non-toxic moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. Gel-based moisturizers are an excellent choice as they provide hydration without feeling heavy on the skin.

Recommended Products:

• Aloe Vera Gel: Pure aloe vera gel is an excellent natural moisturizer for summer.
• 100% Pure Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Cream: This lightweight moisturizer hydrates and protects the skin with green tea extract.

5. Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable

Sunscreen is the most critical component of your summer skincare routine. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays prevents sunburn, premature aging, and reduces the risk of skin cancer. Choose a natural, broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors.

Recommended Products:

• Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 30: A natural sunscreen that provides excellent protection using zinc oxide.
• Goddess Garden Organics SPF 30 Sunscreen: This mineral sunscreen is reef-safe and free of harsh chemicals.

6. Hydrate from Within

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining healthy skin during the summer. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out toxins and keeps your skin looking plump and radiant. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, and consider incorporating hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges into your diet.

7. Adjust Your Makeup Routine

Summer calls for a lighter makeup routine to prevent clogged pores and allow your skin to breathe. Opt for non-comedogenic makeup products and consider using a tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead of a full-coverage foundation. Always ensure your makeup products contain SPF for added protection.

Recommended Products:

• Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream: This product provides excellent coverage while offering sun protection with natural ingredients.
• Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40: A lightweight, tinted serum that combines hydration and light coverage with mineral SPF protection.

8. Address Specific Skin Concerns

Summer can exacerbate certain skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, acne, and rosacea. Tailor your skincare routine to address these issues by incorporating targeted treatments.

For Hyperpigmentation:

• Eminence Organic Skin Care Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum: This serum helps reduce dark spots and even skin tone naturally.
• Trilogy Vitamin C Booster Treatment: A potent treatment for brightening and evening skin tone.

For Acne:

• Aknederm Acne Cream: A natural option that uses clay and zinc to treat acne.
• Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Facial Oil: A natural facial oil that helps balance oily and acne-prone skin.

For Rosacea:

• Pai Skincare Chamomile & Rosehip Calming Day Cream: This moisturizer helps reduce redness and soothes irritated skin.
• Avene Antirougeurs Fort Relief Concentrate: A gentle, natural product that calms redness and strengthens the skin’s barrier.

9. Protect Your Lips and Eyes

The skin on your lips and around your eyes is delicate and can be easily damaged by the sun. Use a lip balm with SPF and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.

Recommended Products:

• Hurraw! Sun Lip Balm SPF 15: A natural lip balm that provides sun protection.
• COOLA Mineral Liplux SPF 30: An organic lip balm that hydrates and protects.

10. Nighttime Skincare Routine

Your nighttime skincare routine is just as important as your daytime routine. After a day of sun exposure and potential sweat buildup, ensure you thoroughly cleanse your skin and apply products that aid in repair and regeneration.

Steps to Follow:

1. Double Cleanse: Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove sunscreen and makeup, followed by a gentle foaming cleanser.
2. Apply a Hydrating Toner: Use a toner that helps to replenish hydration lost during the day.
3. Use a Treatment Serum: Incorporate serums that target specific concerns like hydration, anti-aging, or acne.
4. Moisturize: Apply a lightweight moisturizer to lock in hydration.
5. Optional: Use a sleeping mask or overnight treatment for an extra boost of hydration and repair.

Recommended Products:

• First Cleanse: One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover — A natural oil cleanser that effectively removes makeup and sunscreen.
• Second Cleanse: Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser — Ideal for sensitive skin, it cleanses without stripping moisture.
• Toner: Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner — A hydrating toner that balances the skin’s pH.
• Serum: Andalou Naturals Hyaluronic Dmae Lift & Firm Serum — Provides deep hydration and firms the skin.
• Moisturizer: Alaffia Everyday Coconut Night Cream — A lightweight moisturizer that delivers long-lasting hydration.

11. Body Skincare Routine

Your face isn’t the only part of your body that needs attention during summer. Update your body care routine to keep your skin soft, smooth, and protected.

Steps to Follow:

1. Exfoliate: Use a body scrub once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells.
2. Hydrate: Apply a lightweight body lotion or gel to keep your skin hydrated.
3. Protect: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen on all exposed areas, including your neck, arms, and legs.

Recommended Products:

• Body Scrub: Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub — An exfoliating scrub that leaves the skin smooth and moisturized.
• Body Lotion: Burt’s Bees Aloe and Coconut Oil After Sun Soother — A deeply hydrating lotion that absorbs quickly.
• Body Sunscreen: All Good Sport Sunscreen SPF 30 — A lightweight, natural sunscreen that hydrates while protecting.

12. Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Summer Skin

In addition to updating your skincare routine, certain lifestyle changes can help maintain healthy skin during the summer.

• Wear Protective Clothing: Choose lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun.
• Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and seek shade whenever possible.
• Avoid Hot Showers: Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils. Opt for lukewarm showers to maintain moisture levels.
• Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise boosts circulation and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin, promoting a healthy glow.
• Sleep Well: Ensure you get enough sleep to allow your skin to repair and regenerate overnight.
• Healthy Diet: Consume a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Foods such as berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds can improve skin health from the inside out.

Updating your skincare routine for summer with toxin-free products is essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant skin. By understanding how the warmer months affect your skin and making appropriate adjustments, you can protect your skin from sun damage, keep it hydrated, and address specific concerns effectively. Incorporate lightweight, non-comedogenic products, prioritize sun protection, and maintain a consistent routine to ensure your skin looks its best all summer long.

Remember, a comprehensive skincare routine combined with healthy lifestyle choices is the key to glowing, healthy skin. Embrace the season with confidence, knowing your skin is well-cared for with natural and safe products. Here’s to a summer of radiant, beautiful skin!